Method and system for forming a structure

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to a method and systems to form structures from predefined elementary parts. In the invention at least two predefined elementary parts are combined for forming a desired structure. The part comprises desired features for the desired structure. A control means handles the combining of the elementary parts.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a method and system for formingstructures. Especially, the invention relates to connections betweenconstruction elements. Furthermore, the invention relates to the methodand system that can be used in a computer or in a corresponding device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] When, for example, a building is constructed, the framework ofthe building must be made. FIG. 1 shows an example of a connectionbetween two steel beams 2, 1. The connection comprises an endplate 4,which is fixed (normally welded) to the smaller beam 1, and boltedjoints 3 that finally fix the smaller beam to the flange 5 of the biggerbeam 2.

[0003]FIG. 2 shows an example of a connection among three beams 21, 22,23. The first site beam 21 is connected to the flange 23A of the mainbeam 23 using an endplate 24 and bolted joints 25. The second side beam22 is connected to the other side of the main beam using the same boltedjoints 25, but now the endplate of the second beam is different due tothe different size of the beam. This type of connection is called atwo-sided connection. As can be noticed, there may exist a huge numberof different connections between at least two construction elements.Naturally, a connection may be between a column and a beam, or betweentwo columns etc.

[0004] At present, dedicated software (and/or hardware) is used forforming connections between construction elements. It is possible todefine connection parameters, such as number of bolts, bolt locations,and plate dimensions. A single connection may comprise several dozens ofattributes, which affect connection parameters and a final connection.The known solutions use fixed connections from among a desiredconnection (or connections) is searched. Further, the dedicated softwareor the hardware often has an option to save connections already made forfuture use. The saved connections can be used in the same kind of newsituations (same elements, conditions, etc.) This feature can be calledas an auto-default function.

[0005] The auto-default function utilizes a logic structure for usingdifferent connections already made. The logic structure makes itpossible to search connections and to form new connections, whoselocations in turn are determined in the logic structure. Furthermore,the auto-default function may automatically search a new connection in amodification situation. For example, the auto-default function searchesa new connection when one of the beams to be connected changes.

[0006]FIG. 3 shows an example of the auto-default function in a flowchart. Let a task be to form a construction of an endplate of theconnection. If the desired endplate already exists, it can be used, andthe desired endplate is preferably searched from the group of existingendplates. The search is often divided into several levels. On level 1,elementary cases of the endplate are defined, on level 2 more specialcases, and level 3 yet more special cases. It should be noticed that anumber of the levels can be any suitable number depending on thecomplexity of endplate structures. On level 1 in FIG. 3, the logicstructure of the auto-default function determinates 31 whether thedesired endplate belongs to level 1 or level 2. The determinationdepends on, for example, the features of the steel beam, for which theendplate is formed. If the type of the desired endplate is a kind ofmodification that it does not comprise more specified features alreadydetermined, the auto-default function uses a basic endplate structureMOD1, which already exists. If the desired endplate comprises specifiedfeatures, which already exist on level 2, the search continues on level2.

[0007] On level 2, the logic structure has been constructed so that thesuitability of a certain endplate modification is checked first. If thismodification does not match with the desired endplate, the next endplatemodification is checked and so on until a suitable endplate is found,the search continues on the next level, or the basic modification isselected. In FIG. 3, the endplate modification MOD21 is checked 32first. If MOD21 is suitable, it is selected to be the endplate.Otherwise, the endplate modification MOD22 is checked 33. If MOD22 issuitable, it is selected to be the endplate. Otherwise, the endplatemodification MOD23 is checked 34. If MOD23 is suitable, it is selectedto be the endplate. Otherwise, the endplate modification MOD24 ischecked 35. If MOD24 is suitable, it is selected to be the endplate.Otherwise, it is checked 36 does the desired endplate belongs to level3. If the endplate belongs to the level 3, which comprises yet morespecified features of the endplate, the search continues on level 3.Otherwise the basic endplate structure MOD1 is selected to be thedesired endplate. It should be noticed that instead of using MOD1 as abasic default structure, level 2 could have (as all levels may have) itsown basic default endplate structure 39.

[0008] On level 3, the search proceeds similarly as on level 2. Theendplate modification MOD31 is checked 37 first. If MOD31 is suitable,it is selected to be the endplate. Otherwise, the endplate modificationMOD32 is checked 38. If MOD32 is suitable, it is selected to be theendplate. Otherwise the basic endplate structure MOD1 is selected to thedesired endplate. Alternatively, a level 3 specific default endplate maybe selected.

[0009] So, if the MOD31 is the desired endplate, the search goes throughthe logic structure elements 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, and 37. However, aproblem occurs when MOD31 is the closest endplate desired to construct,but not exactly the one. Thus, MOD31 must be modified to form a newendplate (for example fewer bolts) by a user. The new endplate may besaved into the group of already saved endplates. As can be noticed, anumber of saved endplates (or other connection elements) may increasevery huge and the saved cases may be in any part of the logic structure.It is clear that this kind of system is tedious to set up and update,and difficult to maintain.

[0010] Especially the logic structure used, comprising several levelsand logic structure components, makes the set up and the maintenancetedious. It is also known to use a matrix as a logic structure, but itis even more tedious and difficult than the tree structure of FIG. 3.

[0011] In real applications, the parameters of elements (structures)come from different sources. An engineer may give, for example, a numberof bolts or plate dimensions. General design definitions may define, forexample, a weld size based on the forces of on an element. Manufactureshave their own preferences, such as type of bolts. Thus, theauto-default function works properly, when the fixed elements compriseexactly the same constructions. But when a project comprises elementsfrom different manufactures, structures are different, connections aredifferent, and so on. Thus the existing auto-default set up isrelatively useless, so it must be set up again for the new project aswell.

[0012] So, the known solutions contain a great number of predefinedsolutions, making them relatively fixed and rigid to use. Themaintenance and updating of the known systems are very tedious or evenimpossible because of the complexity of the systems. For example, if thesetup of the system has been made for the practice of a certain country,it may or may not be used according to the practice of another country.Or only a part of the existing system is usable, and even then thecomplexity of the system may prevent the use.

[0013] Due to these mentioned matters, it is clear that the presentsolutions need improvements. The goal of this invention to alleviate theabove mentioned drawbacks of known solutions. The goal is achieved in away described in the claims.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The invention is based on the idea that at least two predefinedelements, i.e. elementary parts, are combined together for forming adesired structure. When thinking about a connection example, at leasttwo predefined connections, i.e. connection elements or elementaryparts, are combined together for forming a desired connection. The firstpredefined connection preferably comprises elementary features for thedesired connection. The second predefined connection has certain desiredfeatures for the desired connection. The next optional predefinedconnections comprise other and/or more detailed features. A controlmeans handles the combining of the predefined connections, preferably insuch a way that the parameters of a previous connection, i.e. theconnections that comprises features on a broader level, are overriddenby the same parameters of the next connection. If the next connectiondefines parameters that are not defined in the previous connections theyare added to a new connection as well as the overridden parameters.

[0015] Further, the invention concerns a forming of elementary parts.They are formed by selecting common parameters from a group ofstructures forming the predefined elementary parts.

[0016] In the inventive way, it is possible to keep a number ofpredefined structures and logic structure components relatively limitedcompared to possible formable structures.

[0017] So, an inventive system comprises at least means for searchingelementary parts for the structure to be formed, means for forming saidstructure by combining the elementary parts, and a control means forcontrolling the second means.

[0018] The inventive method comprises at least the steps of: searching afirst elementary part having elementary features for the structure,searching next elementary part having certain features for thestructure, and combining the first elementary part and the nextelementary part according to a control means.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] In the following the invention is described in more detail bymeans of FIGS. 1-9 in the attached drawings where,

[0020]FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a connection between two steelbeams,

[0021]FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a connection between three steelbeams,

[0022]FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a known logic structure and it'scomponents,

[0023]FIG. 4 illustrates an example of elementary parameters of anendplate,

[0024]FIG. 5 illustrates an example of certain more detailed parametersof an endplate having the same basic structure as the endplate in FIG.4,

[0025]FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a combination of the parametersfrom the endplates in FIGS. 4 and 5,

[0026]FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a flow chart describing theinventive method,

[0027]FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a system according to theinvention, and

[0028]FIG. 9 illustrates another example of a system according to theinvention,

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] As mentioned, at least two predefined elementary parts arecombined together for forming a desired structure. The elementary partsmay be other structures or groups of parameters. Let's think that thedesired structure is a connection. The first elementary part (forexample another connection) preferably comprises elementary features forthe desired connection, and the next elementary parts comprise moredetailed features. Let's examine FIG. 4, which illustrates an example ofelementary parameters of an endplate. The steal beam profile 41 isconsidered to be known. The parameters showed in FIG. 4 are thought tobe elementary parameters for the endplate, i.e. the length L and heightH of the plate, a number of bolted joints 43, and the thickness 42 ofthe plate.

[0030]FIG. 5 illustrates an example of more detailed parameters of anendplate having the same basic structure as the endplate in FIG. 4, Bothendplates are essentially for the same steel beam profile, in thisexample for exactly the same. The detailed parameters may, for example,be exact position parameters D1, D2, and D3 of the bolted joints on theendplate, the type T52 of the bolted joints, and the new thickness 51 ofthe endplate.

[0031] If the parameters of the endplates of FIGS. 4 and 5 are combined,it is possible to form a new endplate. FIG. 6 illustrates an example ofa combination from the endplates in FIGS. 4 and 5. As can be noticed,the parameters of the second endplate (FIG. 5) are added to theparameters of the first endplate (FIG. 6). It can also be noticed thatif a certain parameter already exists in the first endplate, it isoverridden by the same parameter in the second (or the next) endplate.As the situation is concerning the thickness of the endplate, when thenew thickness 51 substitutes the old thickness 42. It should bementioned that a control means, which determinates that old parametersare overridden, may control the combining function to overwrite a newvalue and use the old value. In other words, several different ways tocombine predefined connections may exist.

[0032] Further, the parameters in the elementary parts may be defined asa function and/or functions instead of parameters. For example, thenumber of bolted joints 43, is a function of the profile of a steal beamthat is a distinct structure (not an endplate). The function of theendplate is calculated either before combining it with another endplate,or the function is calculated in the combination step. Taking intoaccount these matters, the combination step may also utilizemathematical operations (such as different formulas).

[0033]FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a flow chart describing theinventive method. At the beginning, a first elementary part is searched71 through the logic structure of a inventive system. The firstelementary part preferably comprises elementary features for a structurethat is to be formed. After this, the next elementary part is searched72. It comprises more desired features for the desired structure. Theelementary parts are combined 73 according the control means for forminga new structure. The new structure is considered to be the desiredstructure when the performance of the method ends 75. However, if otherelementary parts are needed 74 for forming the desired structure, thesteps of searching the next elementary part 72 and forming a newstructure 73 are repeated. These steps are repeated until the desiredstructure is formed. A result structure may be as close as possible to areal structure which is desired to form. In this case, the resultstructure is modified to form the real desired structure.

[0034]FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a system according to theinvention comprising preferable elements. A search means 82 searchessuitable structures from a data repository, such as a database 81, orfrom files. As mentioned before, the search means may comprise a logicstructure, which in turn comprises logic structure elements, forhandling the searches. The logic structure elements that arefunctionally connected to each other forms a tree structure. The treestructure is preferably divided into several levels, wherein each levelshandles certain types of the elementary parts. Due to this, each levelalso handles searches for elementary parts having level specificfeatures. It should be mentioned that the higher levels of the treepreferably comprise elementary structures for a desired structure inquestion. The search means comprises a repeater means 83 for repeatingsearches and combinations. The searches and combinations are repeateduntil a necessary number of predefined features (structures or piece ofinformation) have been sought and combined for forming a desiredstructure. The system also comprises a forming means 84 for forming thedesired structure from at least two predefined elementary parts. Theforming means are controlled by a control means 85, which controls theway, which is used for combining the elementary parts.

[0035]FIG. 9 illustrates another example of a system according to theinvention comprising means 91 for forming the predefined elementaryparts. The forming means selects common parameters from of a group ofstructures for forming said predefined elementary parts. The group ofstructures may be, for example, structures that a user has created inhis terminal. Using some kind of selecting module, such as a filter,common parameters and other features may be found in the group of thestructures. The selected parameters (and features) are used for formingthe elementary parts, which are saved.

[0036] For clarifying the benefits of the invention, Let's examine anexample of wherein there exist 64 different endplate connections. Let'sassume that there are four choices for a number of bolted joints: 2, 3,4, or 5; four choices for the thickness of a plate: 10, 12, 14, or16millimeters; and four alternatives for cutting a beam: 1) up, 2) down,3) on both edges, or 4) no cuttings. Due to this 64 (4*4*4=64)alternatives exist. Now, a logic structure (compare FIG. 3) is used tofind a desired connection: Let a beam height be under 180 millimeters,loading force under 100 kN, and the location of the beam central(meaning no cuttings). On the first level, the logic structure restrictssuitable beams to be under 180 millimeters. On the second level, thelogic structure restricts suitable beams into a group of beams that areloaded under 100 kN. Finally, on the last level (in this example), thelogic structure finds the connection wherein the beam has not been cut.Let the searched connection be a plate with 2 bolted joints, 10 mmthick, and no cuttings.

[0037] Considering this same example in a preferable system according tothe invention, only 12 predefined connections are needed: fourconnections for a different number of bolted joints, four connectionsfor a different number of thickness, and four connections for differentcuttings. Now, the logic structure selects the connection of two boltedjoints on the first level (the height of the beam under 180 mm). On thesecond level (force under 100 kN), the connection with a 10 mm thickplate is selected, and on the last level, the connection with nocuttings is selected. These three, selected connections are combined forforming the desired connection. As can be noticed, only 12 (4+4+4=12)predefined connections are needed to form 64 different connections. Itshould be mentioned that in real cases numbers of parameters are muchgreater than in this example.

[0038] The invention decreases a number of predefined structures, whichhave to be stored in somewhere, for example, in a database or files. Thelogic structure is also simpler than in previous solutions, making iteasier to set up and maintain. The levels of the logic structure may beadjustable for users or not. If a level (or levels) is not adjustable,it means that users cannot make any changes of theirs own and thuscannot make any errors. This is preferable, in particular when the leveldefines, for example, manufactures set ups, which should be fixed andnot changeable. A preferable system for the invention is a levelstructure wherein each level comprises logic structure components,forming a tree structure (See FIG. 3). Due to the above-mentionedmatters the inventive system is easy to set-up and maintain—even toend-users. The creation of structures is preferably automatic. Also theforming of the elementary parts may be automatic, when a user does nothave to take care of this matter.

[0039] Although, above it is mostly described the endplate connectionsbetween steel beams, the connections can be any connections orstructures between any elements such as columns and beams. The elementsmay be pipes, and the connections may be pipe connections. The elementsmay be pipes and concrete elements, and the connections may be pipehangers. The elements may be concrete elements and the connectionsconcrete reinforcements. The elements may be timber joist, and theconnections may be timber joints. In fact, the elements and connectionsmay be any modeled elements and connections. The modeled elements andconnections mean that they have been modeled in some way, such as bysuitable software. The modeled, predefined elementary parts andstructures (elements, connections, connections elements etc.) arepreferable to use when forming connections between elements. The desiredstructure does not need to be a connection between two elements(Although this is a preferable application.), but it can actually be anew structure, which is formed from at least two predefined elementaryparts. The modeled structures and elementary parts may be objects. Theobjects are software components, which can be modified and which arereusable. The inventive method and system can be realized using softwareand/or hardware modules, when they form marketable products forend-users.

[0040] The invention is not restricted to above-mentioned examples.However, it is clear that other solutions than described in this textcan be used in the scope of the inventive idea.

1. A method for forming a structure, characterized in that the methoduses at least two predefined elementary parts for forming the structure,the method comprising the steps of: searching a first elementary parthaving elementary features for the structure, searching a secondelementary part having certain features for the structure, combining thefirst elementary part and the second elementary part according to acontrol means, said control means defining characteristics of thecombination between the first elementary part and the second elementarypart.
 2. A system for forming a structure, characterized in that thearrangement comprises: first means for searching elementary parts forthe structure to be formed, second means for forming said structure bycombining the elementary parts, and a control means for controlling thesecond means.